Kwara State to Emerge as Africa's Innovation Hub, Says Commissioner

Date: 2024-12-07

The Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Tourism in Kwara State, Damilola Adelodun, has expressed confidence in the state's potential to emerge as a global hub for high technology and innovation, akin to Silicon Valley in California, USA.

Adelodun highlighted the state's strategic investments in tech infrastructure and innovation hubs, which he believes will attract world-class companies and position Kwara as a leader in the tech ecosystem.

Silicon Valley, renowned as the headquarters for tech giants such as Apple Inc., HP Inc., eBay, and Netflix, serves as an inspiration for Kwara's vision to transform its economy through technological innovation and entrepreneurship.

Speaking about the activities of her ministry, Adelodun said, “In terms of legacy, one of the key projects I have been lucky to head is the Ilorin Innovation Hub. It is more of a large ICT centre, which is arguably the biggest in West Africa. We also have a partnership with IHS Towers, and there is a fund of about N1bn earmarked for the running and for the programmes, training, as well as start-ups and venture capitals that would come here. We have a mandate to at least bring up two unicorns before the end of 2025.”

Reacting to critics who are of the opinion that the state is not a technology hub and should focus on other pressing issues, the young and beautiful government official said, “Interestingly enough, Kwara State has a big tech community. There are a lot of tech businesses started by Kwarans, including Kuda Bank. So, in terms of a tech hub, Kwara is it, and we want it to be the next Silicon Valley. If you think tech, we want you to think Kwara; not Lagos or Abuja. That is the vision for Ilorin Innovation Hub.”

Shedding more light on why the state recently hosted the Best of Nollywood Awards, the commissioner said, “The Sugar Film Factory, where the event was held, is under the purview of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology. People often forget that entertainment and culture have a business element to them. That was why we refurbished the rundown facility, which used to be a sugar factor. The studio is currently equipped for news, podcast and movie productions. We also have a training institute for youths, actors and filmmakers.

“In sponsoring and hosting BON, we looked at the benefit it could bring to the state, especially in terms of showcasing Kwara. I think it was very successful and we are looking forward to have more in the state.

“Many of the actors, filmmakers and creatives who attended the event loved what they saw, and many of them already have plans to do things in the state.”

 

Cloud Tag: What's trending

Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.

Akeem Olatunji     Kishira     Ethical College     Alore     Umar Ahmed Gunu     Ahman Pategi     Yusuf Zulu-Gambari     Jimoh Bashir     Ayedun     Sai Kayi     Ayeyemi Sulaiman     Eleyele     Baba Isale     Olatunji Ayeni     Patigi Regatta     Ahmad Olayiwola Kamaldeen     Mohammed Haruna     Kudirat Arinola Lawal     Sulaiman Gado     Charcoal     Adesina Simon Sodiya     Alabi Olayemi Abdulrazak     Ajibola Saliu Ajia     Shuaib Boni Aliyu     Oyedun Juliana Funke     Bankole Omishore     Kayode Ibrahim     Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye     Jebba     Bola Iyabo Ibiyeye Adisa     Isaac Aderemi Kolawole     David Oyepinola Adedumoye     Danladi     Mumini Ishola Hanafi     Oko-Olowo     Folajimi Aleshinloye     Jumoke Monsura Gafar     Abdullahi Adisa Akodudu     Alfa Modibbo Belgore     Village Alive Development Association     Ibrahim Akaje     Abdulrahman Iliasu     Oasis Muslim Care Foundation     SAPZ Project     FOMWAN     Mansurat Amuda-Kannike     Senate     Abdullahi Imam Abdullahi     Tafidan Kaiama     Innocent Okoye     Raymond Olaitan     Alumni Association Of The Federal Polytechnic Offa     Yusuf Abdulwahab     Ayoade Akinnibosun     Solomon Edojah     Hassan Oyeleke     Ishaq Oloyede     Shola Odetundun     Kwara     Baruba     Royal FM     Women Radio     Olam Food Ingredients     Ajeigbe     Abubakar B.M     Kwara Liberation Group     Rafiu Ibrahim     Elese Of Igbaja     Ramadhan     Rasaq Jimoh     Ita-Ore     Adanla-Irese     Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq     COEASU     IYA YUSUF     Ilorin Innovation Hub     Elewu    

Cloud Tag: What's trending

Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.

Hamidu Olowo     Suleiman Rotimi Iliasu     Reuben Paraje     Offorjama     CACOVID     Olatunji Abdulmumeen     Funmi Salau     Aliyu Muyideen     Mohammed Katsina Ahmed     Demola Banu     Sulyman Tejidini     Saka Asiat Ayinke     Adedeji Onimago     Sulyman Buhari     AbdulGaniyu Kareem     Awodun     Owo Arugbo     Adesoye     Abdulmumini Sanni Jawondo     Kayode Ogunlowo     Logun     Ramadan     Salau Kabiru Abdullahi     NaAllah     Ayo Salami     Ilota     Sulyman Age AbdulKareem     Rasheed Jimoh     Segun Abifarin     Olubukola Kifayat Adedeji     Yoonus Kola Olatinwo     Facemasks     National Democratic Congress     Ramadhan     Mohammed Haruna     Kwara-SAPZ Project     Makama Of Ilorin     Bilikisu Gambari     Adamu B. Yaqubu     Salman Suleiman     Modupe Oluwole     Roseline Oni Aremu     Jimoh Saadudeen Muhammed     Umaru Saro     Aro Yahaya     Abdulkareem Alabi     Ajidagba     Jaigbade Alao     Abdulkarim Adisa     Abdulrosheed Okiki     Olaiya Lawal     Maryam Ado Bayero     Aso-ofi     Opobiyi     AbdulRazaq AbduMajeed Alaro     Solomon Edojah     Ibrahim Akaje     Kazeem Oladepo     Crystal Corner Shops     Oju Ekun Sarumi     Ibrahim Kayode Adeyemi     Guber Aspirant     Fatai Adeniyi Garba     Chief Of Staff     Oniye     Apata Ajele Secondary School     UNILORIN Alumni Association     Umar Gunu     Tsaragi-Share     Olumide Daniel Ibitoye     N-Power     Isaac Gbenle     Ayekale     Olatunde Olukoya     Olatunde Oyeyiola     Mazars Consulting     General Hospital